Deliciously Creamy Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Are you on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next family gathering or potluck party? Look no further than this Southern Green Bean Casserole recipe! With its savory flavors and creamy, cheesy texture, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.
This classic dish is a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. The fresh green beans are smothered in a rich cream of mushroom soup, topped with crispy bacon and golden fried onions, and baked to perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.
I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years and have made it countless times for my own family gatherings. It’s always the first thing to disappear from the table, leaving everyone coming back for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!).
Trust me – this Southern Green Bean Casserole will become a new favorite in your recipe collection. So get ready to impress your guests at your next holiday dinner or potluck party!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old side dishes? Looking for a way to impress your guests at your next gathering? Look no further than this southern green bean casserole recipe!
What sets this dish apart from the others is its perfect balance of flavors. The creamy mushroom soup pairs perfectly with the fresh green beans, while the crispy bacon and fried onions on top add a satisfying crunch. And let’s not forget about the seasonings – with just the right amount of garlic, black pepper, and salt, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds.
Plus, not only is it delicious, it’s also easy to make! With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, anyone can create this classic southern staple in no time.
But don’t take my word for it – try it out for yourself! Whether you’re looking for a perfect Thanksgiving or holiday side dish or just want to add some soul food flair to your dinner table, this recipe won’t disappoint. It’s sure to become a family favorite and a go-to dish for any gathering. So why wait? Get cooking and savor the ultimate green bean casserole recipe today!
Ingredient List
To make the perfect southern green bean casserole, here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 3 cans of French cut green beans, drained (or 8 cups fresh green beans, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (10-3/4 ounces)
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup french fried onions
You can also use fresh mushrooms if you want to make the casserole from scratch. In that case, use about 4 ounces of fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced.
All these ingredients are fundamental to achieving southern-style green bean casserole’s signature taste. Make sure to have them on hand before jumping into the recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the fun part – let’s make our Southern Green Bean Casserole from scratch!
Step 1: Preheat and Boil
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, in a large pot, bring 3 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add 3 pounds of fresh green beans, ends trimmed and cut into French-cut style. Boil the beans for 5 minutes, then drain them and transfer the beans to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain the beans again and set aside.
Step 2: Fry and Saute
In a large saucepan over medium heat, fry 8 oz of bacon until it becomes crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. In the same saucepan, saute 1 diced onion for 5-6 minutes until translucent. Add in 1 tsp garlic powder and continue cooking for another minute.
Step 3: Mix and Bake
To the saucepan with onions and garlic, add one can each of condensed cream of mushroom soup and evaporated milk, followed by 1 cup chicken broth. Add in the green beans and mix everything together until fully coated.
Transfer this green bean mixture into a greased baking dish. Now sprinkle fried onions on top of it generously. Finally, add some crumbled bacon and sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper.
Bake your southern-style green bean casserole uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, until it’s heated through and bubbly at the edges.
And that’s it! Your ultimate green bean recipe is ready to serve alongside any main dish for a perfect Thanksgiving or soul food spread.
Substitutions and Variations
As with any recipe, there are always substitutions and variations that you can try to make it your own. Here are a few ways you can customize this Southern Green Bean Casserole recipe:
1. Add Some Cheese – To make this casserole even more comforting, consider adding some shredded cheddar cheese on top before you bake it. The cheese will melt into the creamy sauce and add a rich, cheesy flavor.
2. Swap Out the Cream of Mushroom Soup – If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can opt for cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead. These options will give the casserole a slightly different flavor profile.
3. Make it Bacon Green Beans – If you love bacon, you can add some diced bacon to the recipe for an extra level of savory goodness. Simply cook the bacon in a pan until crispy, then sprinkle it on top of the casserole before baking.
4. Try Different Types of Onions – While fried onions are traditional in this recipe, you could play around with different types of onions for added flavor and texture. Sautéed onions or caramelized onions would both be delicious in this casserole.
5. Use Fresh Herbs – For added freshness and color, add some chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to this dish. They’ll complement the savory flavors and bring a pop of green to the table.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with these substitutions and variations. They might just take this classic comfort food recipe to the next level!
Serving and Pairing
As a southern-style dish, the Southern Green Bean Casserole Recipe makes for a delightful and comforting side dish that goes well with many main courses. A traditional serving is usually about a cup, and this should be more than enough to complement your meal.
This casserole pairs well with other soul food classics like fried chicken, BBQ ribs or pulled pork, as well as more elegant dishes like roasted turkey or smoked ham. The creamy and savory flavors of the casserole also make it an ideal accompaniment to grilled or roasted vegetables.
For a perfect thanksgiving holiday side, serve the casserole with roasted or fried turkey, glazed ham, or cornbread stuffing, along with a side of cranberry sauce or gravy to complement the flavors of the green beans.
You can enhance the cheesy and crunchy elements of this recipe by mixing some shredded cheddar cheese into the casserole before baking it, or by sprinkling extra French fried onions on top right before serving it.
No matter what you pair it with, this casserole will surely be a crowd-pleaser at any dinner party, thanks to its ultimate green goodness and mouth-watering appeal.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You can make this amazing Southern Green Bean Casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors become even more enhanced after sitting overnight. Simply prepare the recipe according to instructions, cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When reheating, let your casserole sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes before baking so that the dish can come back up to room temperature. Preheat your oven at 350°F. Two minutes before you put it in the oven, uncover the casserole to let the excess moisture escape. This will prevent it from getting soggy. Reheating normally takes about 20-25 minutes, but it may also depend on your oven.
It is essential to know that this casserole tastes best when served fresh out of the oven with crispy fried onions on top. But if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with foil before refrigerating them for up to three days.
This casserole is perfect for holiday side dishes, family dinners, and potluck events. Making this ahead will save you time and energy since you can focus on other things while ensuring that there’s an incredible dish waiting for you when you’re ready to eat.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the best result for your Southern Green Bean Casserole, here are some helpful tips you can follow.
First, when boiling water to cook fresh green beans, add 1-2 teaspoons of salt to the water. This will enhance the natural flavor of the beans and prevent them from getting soggy.
Next, you can add extra flavor to your casserole by sautéing some garlic and onions before mixing them with the mushroom soup and chicken broth. This simple addition will give a delightful aroma and mouth-watering taste to your dish.
Another useful tip is to combine the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. This makes it easier to evenly distribute the soup and other ingredients across the beans, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
If you prefer a crispier topping, try using homemade fried onions instead of store-bought. You can also opt for French-fried onions for an even easier option that still adds a fantastic crunch to your casserole.
For those who like their casserole extra cheesy, try adding shredded cheddar cheese on top of the dish before baking it in the oven. This step elevates the classic green bean casserole into a more indulgent treat that everyone will love.
Finally, if you need to make this dish ahead of time, refrigerate it without adding any toppings until just before baking. This prevents the topping from getting too soft or soggy while stored in the refrigerator.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect Southern Green Bean Casserole that will brighten up your holiday meals and become a household favorite.
FAQ
Before we wrap up this Southern Green Bean Casserole recipe article, let’s address some frequently asked questions to ensure that you have all the information needed to make this dish perfect every time. From choosing the right ingredients to adjusting cooking times and temperatures, here are some answers to common queries that might pop up while preparing this classic and delicious recipe.
How do you keep green bean casserole from getting soggy?
When prepping the beans for the casserole, I recommend boiling them for a brief period before plunging them into ice water. This technique ensures that the beans retain a satisfying crunch while cooking in the casserole. To avoid sogginess, sprinkle the cheese, bacon, and fried onions over the dish just before baking.
Should green bean casserole be soupy before cooking?
When preparing a green bean casserole, it’s important to ensure that the sauce has a thick texture that evenly covers the green beans. A common issue that may arise is a watery casserole, which could be a result of inadequate use of thickening agents like flour or cornstarch in the sauce.
Can you mix up green bean casserole the night before?
To prepare this dish in advance for the holidays, simply assemble the casserole but refrain from adding the fried onions as a topping. Afterwards, cover it with foil and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. Make sure to take the casserole out and let it come to room temperature while you preheat your oven.
How to make Paula Deen green beans?
Let’s get these green beans sautéed up! Toss them into a pan over medium heat, and keep stirring for about 2 minutes. Once that’s done, add some boiling water, cover the pan, and let it cook for 15 minutes. We don’t want the beans to get too soft, just tender enough to satisfy. Finish it off with a dash of vinegar, a tablespoon of butter and some salt and pepper to taste. Give the dish a final stir, and voila! Your southern-style green beans are ready to devour.
Bottom Line
With this southern-style green bean casserole recipe, I guarantee that you’ll create a perfect Thanksgiving or any holiday side dish that your family and friends won’t forget. The recipe’s versatility allows for substitutions and variations according to your preference. Don’t ever settle for boring green beans when you can prepare the ultimate green bean casserole from scratch with just the right ingredients!
Whether you’re following in the footsteps of Paula Deen, Ree Drummond or making your soul food, this recipe is a must-have in your home cookbook. Impress your guests with the best cheesy, bacon-filled green beans with French-fried onions on top.
I’ve shared my tips for getting the perfect results and answered your frequently asked questions. I encourage you to try this recipe out and serve it alongside your favorite main course. Your taste buds will thank you, and your guests will beg for seconds!
Take pride in preparing this classic southern dish and create a memorable meal that will bring everyone back for more. With these easy-to-follow steps, even a novice cook can make it to taste like a seasoned chef. Trust me; everyone will believe you’ve perfected the art of cooking with this Southern Green Bean Casserole recipe!
Southern Green Bean Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 (14 1/2 ounce) cans cut green beans
- 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 slices bacon
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon granulated brown sugar, depending on taste
- 1/2-1 cup minced onion, depending on taste
- 1/2-3/4 cup milk, depending on taste
- 1 cup French's French fried onions
- garlic, to taste
- salt, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Saute onion with garlic and bacon.
- Cut bacon into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Empty 4 cans cut Green Beans into 9 x 13 casserole dish.
- Combine 2 cans condensed Cream of Mushroom soup with milk, salt, pepper, brown sugar, onion and bacon.
- Pour soup mixture over Green Beans and mix well.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until heated through.
- Stir and top with 1 cup French's Fried Onions.
- Return to oven and bake 5 more minutes or until onions are golden.